The women of Alameda ArtWorks are proud to offer an open invitation to join the celebration of women in the arts of many disciplines in San Jose's first annual celebration of SWAN Day (Support Women Artists Now!). This event is part of the second annual international SWAN Day celebration.

"Women artists are creating change in their communities and around the world. They are inspiring. They can touch our deepest emotions or take us on a journey to a distant place or time," said Martha Richards, the co-founder of SWAN Day. SWAN Day is an annual event taking place on the last Saturday of Women's History Month. The idea for SWAN Day grew out of a collaboration between Martha Richards of the Fund for Women Artists and Jan Lisa Huttner of Chicago's WITASWAN (Women in the Audiences Supporting Women Artists Now). This day of celebration will help people imagine what the world would be like if women's art and perspectives were fully integrated into all of our lives. The long term goal of SWAN Day is to inspire communities to recognize and support women artists as a basic element of civic planning. Since Silicon Valley has such an abundance of talented women in the arts, it is appropriate that these women have now come together in recognition of SWAN Day.

All are welcome to attend the Alameda ArtWorks' Networking Day as part of SWAN Day festivities; included in the planned events are live musical performances, open artists studios with work available for sale, an art exhibit of over 30 women artists, live poetry readings, two informative panels of speakers including Jane Przybysz, Ph.D, Executive Director of the Museum of Quilts and Textiles, and a special apperance by noted author DR. Kate Evans. The morning panel of speakers will forcus on Women and the Business of Art while the afternoon panel will focus on Women and the Spirit of Art. Break out sessions will follow each panel of speakers to provide attendees with ample time for conversation and networking.

SWAN Day San Jose at the Alameda ArtWorks takes place on March 28th, 2009 from 10 am until 5 pm and is located at 1068 The Alameda in San Jose.

For more information on SWAN Day, visit http://www.womenarts.org/swan/